William H. Day to Frederick Douglass, August 6, 1852
Dear Sir:—
You will doubtless, recollect that on the 8th of June I wrote a note to you concerning a National Convention of the colored people of the United States. After stating, in brief, my view of the importance of such a meeting soon, I proposed for your consideration the 1st of September, 1852, as the time; and either Buffalo, N.Y., Pittsburgh, Pa., or Cleveland, as the place. Your reply was very encouraging, but proposing a little later day, on account of another National Convention upon that day, and also designating Pittsburgh as the place of yoru preference.
On the same 8th of June, I addressed letters to Rev. A. N. Freeman, Portland, Me.; Rev. A. G. Boman, New Haven, Conn.; Robert Morris, Esq., Boston, Mass.; Wm. H. Topp and Stephen Myers, Albany, N. Y.; Peyton Harris, Buffalo, N. Y.; J. McCune Smith and Dr. Pennington, New York City; Robert Purvis, Dr. Bias and Stephen Smith, Philadelphia; Wm. Whipper, Columbia, Pa.; and others. From a majority of the presons consulted, I have heard, and not one dissenting voice, as to the importance of a National Convention now. In addition, I have, in other ways, received the opinion of others, all favorable to such a meeting. Among these are the people of Pittsburgh, and the people of the State of Indiana. I know Ohio to be favorable to such a gathering.—The city of Columbus has already acted in the matter, waging a National Convention in the strongest terms. I think I am authorized to say for the West, we will meet, as we have always been ready to do, whenever a National Convention shall be asked.
In favor of a national gathering now, I think we are sure of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, of the Eastern States, and Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Ilinois, and Wisconsin, of the Western.—These compose a decided majority of the free States. We can guess upon a representation from Maine, New Jersey, a portion of Kentucky, and a portion of Missouri. I think we may also count upon a delegation from Maryland, judging from recent demonstrations there.
I think these indications, and others which might be mentioned, justify the issuing a Call for a National Convention to be held this fall.
The next point of importance is as regards the time and place. In reference to the time, I would now urge some day between the middle of September and the middle of October. Most of the gentlemen alluded to, above, and others, were, as far as any opinion is expressed, in favor of the day proposed to them, viz:—the 1st of September. One or two have expressed a preference for a little later day. The 1st of September was also the expressed choice of the citizens of Columbus, O. This would, probably have been found to be the time most convenient for the majority, but, as the season is already so far passed, it may be best to appoint it later. It may be well to state, however, that on the 8th and 9th of that month is to be held the Ohio State Convention, and general Jubilee, and that we would be accommodated if the appointment be not made to interfere with that meeting.
In fixing upon a time for such a gathering, of course the expense and the pleasantness of travel to and from it should be well considered. If later than September or October, it will probably increase the expense and probably disagreeableness of travel, especially if held at Cleveland, Buffalo or Pittsburgh. This would affect more than could be affected by any other change, as though I admit that if the Convention be held at Pittsburgh, Cincinnatians and other persons bordering upon the Ohio River would be a very little better accommodated by its being held even as late as in December. I think, however, there is a general feeling in favor of September or October. If it be not too soon, I would propose Wednesday, September 22d.
Lastly, as to a place. The first choice of a large portion of Ohio, was Buffalo, N. Y.—Still we do not object to Pittsburgh. As an individual, I am decidedly in favor of that city, for two reasons. 1st. Your reasons assigned in your note—(1.) That no Convention of the kind was ever held there; (2) that it contains more colored people than either Buffalo or Cleveland; and (3) that it is nearer Philadelphia and New York, and just as near Cleveland and Cincinnati. 2d. An additional reason in favor of a Convention in Pittsburgh, and without which reason I think it would be improper to appoint it there, is, that the colored people of Pittsburgh favor it. Their views are signified through the following correspondence received yesterday.
"Pittsburgh, July 28th, 1852.
Mr. William H. Day:
Dear Sir:—
At a public meeting held in this city on the evening of the 27th inst., the undersigned were appointed a Corresponding Committee on behalf of a National Convention of the Free People of Color. The following Resolutions were adopted. We send them to you; you can use them as you think proper.
JNO. PECK,
A. R. GREEN,
LEWIS WOODSON,
Resolved, That we approve of holding a National Convention of the Colored People of the United States.
Resolved, That if Pittsburgh be selected as the place of holding a National Convention of the Colored People of the United States, we have no objection to it, and will use our best efforts to accommodate it.
JOSEPH FERGUSON, Secretary."
On these grounds I am decidedly in favor of Pittsburgh.
I then propose a National Convention, to commence September 22d, 1852, in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa.
If you, as Chairman of the Committee appointed at Cleveland, in 1848, will issue a call in accordance with the views above expressed, and thus endorsed, you will meet the views of many. Unless we admit the Committee appointed at Cleveland to be the proper National Committee, we have no National Committee. The committee appointed then, is national enough for me. At any rate, that is the only committee we have, and I trust, you, as Chairman, will not be restrained by any sense of delicacy upon this point, from acting at this hour. Exigencies demand prompt action. What, at one time seem immodest, in an exigency may appear perfectly proper.
In acting and writing so freely, in regard to this National Convention, I know very well I have assumed more responsibility than justly belonged to me. I have written to men some of whom are to me perfect strangers, but I have done so, because I felt the importance of a meeting, and I do not regret my action. I do not even know that I will be present at the meeting, but I know we need to act now, and have confidence that my brethren are equal to the emergency.
Let me beseech you to issue a Call for such a gathering. I believe it will be responded to, from Maine to Missouri.
The question will probably arise—Shall it be a Delegate or Mass Convention? For one, I am not certain which is better. I am inclined to favor a Delegated Meeting. Of this we are certain—we now need the air of our best men, and the best way to bring out our best men should be adopted.
Very truly yours, For our elevation.
William H. Day